Mult-Grid is an urban-scale open space strategy that binds together Salt Lake City’s numerous cultural attractions in an ecologically-driven manner.

The resilience of the grid as a framework to guide urban growth stems in large part from its ability to be recalibrated according to emerging social, economic, and cultural conditions without undermining its multiscalar efficacy. From the continent to the regional township or section to the downtown core of American cities, grids across America have evolved to suit a variety of needs. At the onset of the 21st century, American downtown cores are thriving after decades of population loss and experiencing renewed cultural and artistic vibrancy. This condition is exemplified in Salt Lake City by investment in proposed architectural projects such as the Utah Performing Arts Center, the Jessie Eccles Quinney Center for Dance, and the Utah Film and Media Arts Center. However, investment in buildings alone will not fully capture the urban renaissance currently sweeping across the United States, nor will it adequately address environmental concerns generated by urban growth.

MULTI-GRID responds to Salt Lake City’s most recent cultural and artistic rejuvenation while maintaining an urban sensitivity to the grid’s religious origins and its numerous historic evolutions since the city’s founding in 1847.